WHAT ARE EXOSOMES?

Once confined to cutting-edge regenerative medicine, exosomes are skincare’s newest - and most talked-about - power players. These microscopic messengers shuttle potent signals between cells, encouraging skin to regenerate, boost collagen (yes please) and become healthier. But do they live up to the hype? Scarlet Spy talks to Dr Yannis Alexandrides from 111Skin to find out.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY ARE EXOSOMES AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles which facilitate intercellular communication - they are like tiny couriers that carry proteins, lipids and various signals around the body.

At my clinic, 111 Harley St., we use plant-derived exosomes from the Damascus rose, these go through a very strict filtering process to ensure purity. In the UK, human-derived exosomes are not permitted for safety reasons, however there are some countries that have differing regulations.

WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR/THE BENEFITS?

Exosomes are prized for their capabilities to signal to cells how to behave and therefore can be used to optimise skin cell behaviour, helping skin to regenerate and repair. They also encourage the synthesis of collagen up to 300% and elastin up to 100%. As a result, we use them in-clinic to treat patients with concerns around lines and wrinkles, dull skin, pigmentation, and to improve skin quality overall.

HOW ARE THEY ADMINISTERED?

In the clinic, we have a variety of methods and technologies that we use exosomes in combination with - for example, Potenza RF Microneedling or our UltraClear cold fiber laser. The treatments create channels in the skin meaning the exosomes reach a deeper level, and a better result is achieved.

HOW MANY EXOSOMES DO WE NEED? (THE SPA SPIES SPOTTED ONE PRODUCT CONTAINING 2.85 BILLION EXOSOMES)

It's not so much about the amount, but the purity of the exosomes you select - quality over quantity. The exosomes we use at the clinic are highly filtered for purity using a process called tangential flow filtration, this double filters the exosomes leading to the purest product.

WHAT’S THE SIMPLEST WAY TO INTRODUCE EXOSOMES TO OUR SKINCARE REGIMES?

I was so impressed with the results of our in-clinic treatments, that I formulated the 111SKIN Exosomes Face Lift with a microspicule delivery system. This is a duo of products can be used to enhance the results of the professional treatment further, or as homecare products. As a duo, they target signs of ageing by lifting and tightening the skin, addressing fine lines and wrinkles.

DO EXOSOMES LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?

Exosomes represent one of the most exciting developments in regenerative medicine, with a multitude of concerns that can be addressed in many ways. I am always looking to evolve our treatments to ensure we offer patients the very best outcomes, and exosomes are now used in numerous ways within our treatments at 111 Harley St. We can treat the skin and improve skin quality, as well as treating the scalp to help encourage healthy hair growth. Treatments span both our patients who visit for non-surgical treatments as well as those I see for plastic surgery procedures, and importantly, the results are outstanding, elevating the outcomes we have seen previously.

TRY IT AT HOME

111SKIN At-Home Exosome Face Lift Treatment
2 x 30ML, £655, Harrods

111SKIN Exosome Face Lift is a science-driven transformative 4-week treatment that brings clinic-backed results to the bathroom cabinet. Inspired by cutting-edge results from the 111 Harley Street Clinic, the treatment combines a potent serum – containing needle-like microspicules from a hydrolysed freshwater sponge, which infuse the skin with next-gen bacterial exosomes – along with lactobaccilus ferment and Swiss ice wine extract.

The overnight mask contains milk thistle extract, lactobaccilus ferment and Lespedeza Capitatat plant extract – to deliver professional-grade rejuvenation that lifts and tighten the skin.